Geoff McDonald - Mental Health & The Power of Purpose
Today's guest, Geoff McDonald, worked at Unilever for 25 years and, at the end of his time there, contributed to the company's transformation from an ailing business into a thriving global organisation with purpose at its heart. He now works with businesses that believe that purpose can give them a strategic advantage by creating a company that the best people want to work for.
He's also a passionate mental health campaigner and is now able to follow his own purpose to create a world where everybody in every workplace feels they genuinely have the choice to put up their hand and ask for help when they are suffering from mental ill-health.
We explored the difference between using purpose as a tool to improve business performance instead of a marketing exercise, practical examples of how Unilever and other companies succeeded in achieving this. We also discussed why personal struggles and the tragedy of losing a close friend inspired him to leave the corporate world and advocate for open conversations about mental health.
Geoff also shared his CANDO framework - a helpful reminder of the importance of consistent habits to maintain positive physical and mental health.
If you enjoy our conversation, please check out the accompanying newsletter, which I'll be publishing later this week. Also, check out Geoff's website, where you can find out more about his work.
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